Shelly Barrick Parsons is the first full-time Executive Director for Capital Trees. We’re so lucky to have her at the helm to lead our organization in our next phase.

Shelly Barrick Parsons is the Executive Director for Capital Trees.  Shelly is a leader and collaborator that cares deeply about the relationship between people and the natural environment.  She believes that green space provides a connection to our best selves, to one another, and to nature.

Shelly is a graduate of Meredith College (B.A.) and Union Presbyterian Seminary (MACE, MDiv, Phd).  Shelly has led established ministries and non-profits.  She served as founding Executive Director of  Harless Center, a public-private partnership to build student housing. She brings wisdom on best practices for growing and sustaining an organization along with an understanding of success that includes both the return on investment and the transformation of individuals and communities.

She was drawn to Capital Trees because of her own love of getting outside to take a walk to reflect and to connect. During the pandemic, she experienced first hand how the need for inner reflection and interpersonal connection could be met by accessing public green spaces.  For Shelly, green spaces build and sustain communities, teach us about our responsibility to be careful stewards of the natural world, and provide space for renewal and wellbeing.  Email ([email protected]) or call her at 804-788-6450.